Thursday, October 11, 2012

Ruth Heller on Science

Tell me, are you familiar with the work of Ruth Heller? Because not too long ago I wasn't very familiar with her work... but as I've spent a great deal of time scavenging through used books over the past several years I've come across more and more of her titles. Recently, I decided I really needed to dive into the world of Ruth Heller. The problem was my library didn't have many of her books. So, I called my sister Bonnie and made her borrow every Ruth Heller book in the Salt Lake City library system, what a great sister!

Today we're talking about Heller's science themed books.

Her first published book was Chickens Aren't the Only Ones
(1981) I believe this is the most well known of her titles. (It's the first book I ever read by Heller.)

In it, Heller elaborates on the many different creatures that lay eggs. Her writing style is rhythmic, artistic and whimsical... but she's writing about science! And I love it! And my kids have loved this book... I think I started reading it to Dax when he was three, we've been reading it ever since.

... a butterfly is born. (I couldn't leave you hanging there.)

It's such a cool book! But there's more, because look at her illustrations! Amazing! Beautiful! Incredible!

I think Heller's books are wonderful. She had a real gift with words and illustrations. Before she started writing children's books she began illustrating coloring books for children and adults. I know that many in the art world (and education world) frown upon coloring books (stifling creativity and all that) but, I happen to love coloring books- I always have. I ordered one of hers and I think it's SO cool.

The very last book she ever wrote was scientific in nature. "Galapagos" Means "Tortoises" published in 2003, the year before she died. It's filled with tons of interesting information. She left quite a legacy with her amazing work. More tomorrow...
PS I just have to add that the used copies I've run across (published by scholastic) are a much better print than those currently available. Does that make sense? The newest reprints (by a publisher I'll leave unnamed) just don't do justice to her artwork in my opinion, fyi.

Meet Robyn

& Whitney

Mom of 3 and frequent tangent goer-offer! I've got waaaay more books than my husband thinks necessary, but there's (currently) less than $10 in library fines, so life is good!

Request a Bookmark

We have a list of 75 children's books we love-- and we even made it into a bookmark!
Would you like one? Just email your address to penpalsandpicturebooks(at)gmail(dot)com and we'll send you some book love through the USPS.